Draft:12 Études in all the Minor Keys

The 12 Études in all the Minor Keys (Douze études dans tous les tons mineurs), Op. 39, are a set of twelve compositions for piano by Charles-Valentin Alkan. These études are renowned for their technical complexity and expressive depth, making them among the most challenging pieces in the piano repertoire. They were published in 1857.

History
Alkan's compositional style is characterized by its complexity and virtuosity, often pushing the limits of piano technique. His études are no exception, showcasing his mastery of the instrument and innovative approach to composition.

The 12 Études in all the Minor Keys were composed over a period of time, likely during the 1840s and 1850s. Alkan's études explore various technical challenges while also demonstrating his unique harmonic language and expressive depth.

The dedicatee, François-Joseph Fétis, was a significant figure in the life of Charles-Valentin Alkan, particularly in terms of his early musical education and development. Fétis became acquainted with Alkan when the latter was still a child prodigy displaying remarkable musical talent. Recognizing Alkan's potential, Fétis became one of his earliest mentors and teachers. He provided guidance to Alkan in his formative years, helping to nurture his musical abilities and shaping his musical education. Under Fétis's thorough tutoring, Alkan received a comprehensive musical education, studying composition, theory, and piano performance. Fétis's influence on Alkan's development as a musician and composer is undeniable, as he provided valuable instruction and support during Alkan's early years.

Each étude in the set is written in a different minor key, allowing Alkan to explore the diverse tonalities and characteristics of each key signature. The études cover a wide range of technical aspects, including rapid passages, double notes, and octave leaps. The corresponding opus is the 12 Études in all the Major Keys (Douze études dans tous les tons majeurs), Op. 35, which started Alkan's project of writing études in all of the major and minor keys.

The titles such as Symphony, Concerto, and Ouverture, indicate at one of the characteristics of this collection: the reproduction of the orchestral sound by the piano. Instructions reminiscent of orchestral works are often seen; for example, in the Concerto (Nos. 8 - 10), the piano solo and tutti are often written separately. Furthermore, an arrangement of the first movement of his Concerto exists for the piano and orchestra by Karl Klindworth.

Despite their musical and technical significance, Alkan's études were relatively neglected for many years after his death in 1888. However, they have experienced a revival in recent decades, with pianists increasingly recognizing their importance and including them in their repertoire.

The only edition to have ever published the full set of pieces is Éditions Richault, however several reprints by editions such as Dover Publications and Éditions Costallat exist as well. There are also editions of selected études, such as G. Henle Verlag, with its edition of the Le Festin d'Ésope

Today, this set of Alkan's pieces are studied and performed by advanced pianists around the world, admired for their technical and musical difficulties and contribution to the piano literature of the Romantic era.

Even so, only 3 pianists have played the entire set as a concert program, and 4 have a complete recording of the full set. Many pianists however, include(d) selected études in their programs, such as Sergei Rachmaninoff, who commonly performed the Comme le Vent.

Other works with a similar title

 * Marc-André Hamelin, 12 Études in all the Minor Keys (c. 1984–2009)